UK Official Dismisses Trump’s Claim of Paracetamol-Autism Link
A UK government minister has rejected Donald Trump’s unsupported assertion of a connection between paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism. The US President claimed a surge in autism cases and suggested that paracetamol (known as Tylenol in the US) could be a potential trigger. Despite lacking evidence, Trump recommended avoiding the drug “throughout pregnancy” and also raised unsubstantiated worries about vaccines.
UK experts criticized the Trump administration for spreading fear and highlighted studies refuting the President’s unfounded statements. Labour minister Matthew Pennycook emphasized the importance of evidence-based decision-making, stating that any alleged link remains unproven. He stressed the need for proper support for children with autism.
Pennycook urged following scientific guidance, pointing to the NHS’s advice on paracetamol use available on their website. According to the NHS, paracetamol is considered safe for pregnant women and is commonly used without harm to the baby.
Meanwhile, healthcare professionals condemned Trump’s remarks. Dr. Monique Botha, an associate professor, cited various studies disproving any link between paracetamol exposure in utero and autism, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities. She highlighted a significant Swedish study involving 2.4 million births that found no causal relationship between paracetamol and autism.
Dr. Botha emphasized the lack of robust evidence supporting such claims and stressed the importance of providing adequate pain relief options for pregnant women. She warned that fearmongering could deter women from seeking necessary care during pregnancy and perpetuate stigma against families with autistic children.
Professor Claire Anderson from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society reaffirmed the safety of paracetamol, noting its long history of use without adverse effects when taken as directed, even during pregnancy. A comprehensive study conducted in 2024 found no evidence linking paracetamol use during pregnancy to an increased risk of autism in children.